WOBCP is a program to encourage more women to participate in competing for federal contracts. As things stand now, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed changes that would make it even harder for women to get federal contracts.
When the Senate failed to pass the Fair Pay Act, which would have allowed women to demand equal pay for equal work, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) said that women did not need legislation for equal pay, but women simply needed more “education and training.” (Note: McCain did not show up for the vote, and statistically, more women already hold higher degrees than men, achieve higher grades, and more women than men participate in honors programs!)
As the battle to attract women voters heats up, both candidates are now more fully addressing women's issues across the board. Obama’s small business plans that specifically address issues facing women in business include:
- Invest in Women-Owned Small Businesses: Obama proposes to implement the WOBCP; provide more support to women business owners; enact more policies to reduce discrimination in lending practices to women in business.
- Increasing Minority Access to Capital: Obama wants to: “strengthen Small Business Administration programs that provide capital to minority-owned businesses, support outreach programs that help minority business owners apply for loans, and work to encourage the growth and capacity of minority firms.” (Note: Congress has cut funding for women-owned programs and will not be funding new business development centers for women in 2009.)
